Dhaka: Bangladesh responded to Sheikh Hasina’s request for a new passport and National Identity (NID) card with a stern message.
Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, said on Monday that if the former Prime Minister wishes to return home, the matter must be addressed through India so that she can be handed over to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty.
He was responding to questions from journalists regarding a request submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi through the UK-based legal firm Matrix Chambers for new documents for Hasina.
The minister described the matter as “ridiculous.”
“I would first advise that London-based law firm to properly identify who their client is. Their client is a terrorist — someone who, over the years, has been responsible for the killing, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial execution of thousands of people. Before fleeing the country, she was responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people in just the final month and a half of her rule,” Kabir said.
“Instead of chasing money looted from the people of Bangladesh, you should adhere to some ethical boundaries. This request is fundamentally weak — legally, morally and ideologically,” he said, addressing the British law firm.
Asked whether the government will provide a passport or travel pass should Hasina wish to return, the minister replied, “Someone who fled the country after killing people has no history of returning — only a history of running away. She is currently facing trial in open court based on evidence, and in one case, she has already been sentenced to death,” Kabir said adding that other cases are pending.
“A terrorist is not simply coming for a casual visit to a relative’s home, for which a passport might be issued. If she wishes to return, the matter must be addressed through India, ensuring her handover to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty. Just as other criminals are transferred — placed in handcuffs or under strict surveillance and escorted onto a plane — she would be brought back in the same manner, sent to prison, and the court’s verdict would be carried out.”
Bangladesh has previously asked India to extradite Hasina. Now that she has expressed her wish to return, Bangladesh government made its stance clear. It remains to be seen how India responds.
